they're independent contractors... but good luck forming a union to collectively negotiate more favorable terms when the majority of the best players want no part of it.
But would they have to give as much as they take? Lets say they negotiate a portion of the TV money... does that also mean the tour gets to dictate what logos they wear on their hat? I'm sure the PGA would love to get in on that revenue stream as well.
These guys, while not getting direct TV money, are getting sponsorships to the point of looking like a NASCAR race set of logos plastered on every viewable surface. How much of that changes once the PGA gives them some TV cash?